The Circle

Founding Philosophy:
India is at a critical crossroads, facing both the world's fastest-growing youth population and a significant poverty challenge. This dual reality presents either a transformative opportunity or a dire threat. The nation’s future hinges on whether it can uphold constitutional values, reduce inequality, and foster unity or succumb to missed chances and polarization. Addressing these challenges requires urgent, honest action. The Circle Incubation program has made notable strides, achieving a Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 60 across cohorts, with the 2023 cohort reaching an impressive 90. Key program components, such as site visits, coaching, and financial support, have been instrumental for over 90% of Entrepreneurs-in-Residence (EIRs), all reporting a strong sense of belonging. With an 82% launch rate, surpassing the 75% goal, the program will support 30 EIRs in 2024–2025, impacting 4,300 students through educational initiatives.

About the Founder :
Sandeep Rai started his career with Teach For America and later helped launch Teach For India, holding leadership roles for over 13 years. In 2022, he founded The Circle India to reimagine the country’s education system. He is also an author and serves on the advisory boards of several education organizations.

The program’s vision underscores the importance of improving education to unlock India’s full potential.

With a mission “The Circle join a nationwide network of schools and after-school centers, bound by shared beliefs and a lifetime commitment to support and community”.

India faces a critical challenge of poverty, with 83 million citizens living below the poverty line, while also holding the world’s fastest-growing youth population. The country’s future depends on harnessing this youth potential, which can only be achieved through quality education. However, the existing system is inadequate in providing the necessary skills and access to every child. At The Circle, we believe in reimagining schools to prepare children for the rapidly changing world, fostering love, justice, and innovation in education, while extending learning beyond traditional classrooms.

The Circle's initiatives focus on transforming education through innovation and collaboration. The Circle Lab hosts year-round events to spark ideas for school redesign, while the Circle Incubation program supports entrepreneurs in launching innovative schools or learning centers for low-income children. The Circle U program, designed in collaboration with universities and government partners, focuses on creating new teacher preparation programs. Through these efforts, The Circle has already impacted thousands of students and educators, with ambitious plans for future growth and engagement, including a major upcoming conference and a focus on measuring program effectiveness.

Geographic Focus:
Nine cities across India: Delhi, Pune, Mumbai, Bangalore, Goa, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Delhi, Akbarpur, and Jalalabad.

Annual Operating Budget:
Operating spend of approx. Inr 10 Crore per annum.

Partners:
Pirojsha Godrej, Forbes Marshal, Rotary Club of Queens Necklace Warburg and Pincus, Thermax Foundation.

Since April 2022, Nikunj Jhaveri, co-founder of the Helm Initiative, has been an Advisory Board member for The Circle.